Work Prophet

"This was given to me by Sir Leo." Li Yu didn't hide the truth.

The lion's head was just too distinct, only one family on the Bratis Continent would use it as their family crest.

This brooch had originally been tucked into his trouser pocket, at that time Li Yu still didn't know that he couldn't bring objects from this plane back with him. It must have fallen to the ground when he disappeared, and sharp-eyed Miss Rabbit saw it.

"So you admit it, you're his man?" the girl's voice turned cold.

"Isn't that obvious? I helped you win the succession struggle of the Arias family. Sir Leo was there too, and it was at that time he started thinking of recruiting me. This brooch was delivered to me by one of his servants while you were busy dealing with other nobles.

"Actually, it wasn't just him, Golden Finger Romero, and even your stepmother have sent people to find me, asking if I was interested in working for them. What surprised me though, was Marquis Kuren; perhaps because he is your liege, he was too embarrassed to poach me from you."

"What, there's more than one?!" Ireya's voice rose an octave.

Miss Rabbit became angrier as she listened, her ears practically wilting with irritation, "You are my advisor; if you weren't planning on leaving me for someone else, why didn't you come clean about these things from the start?"

"Since when was I your advisor?" Li Yu raised an eyebrow.

"You......"

The young miss was dumbfounded.

Only then did she remember that the title of 'advisor' for Li Yu was something she had casually made up herself. After saying it, she even felt a bit regretful, worried that it would become a laughingstock if word got out, showing some resistance at one point.

It wasn't until later, when Li Yu miraculously helped her turn the tide against all odds, and thoughtfully reminded her that her new position as Family Head was not as secure as it seemed, that Ireya was completely convinced and wholeheartedly accepted the advisor who had appeared out of nowhere. She even began to regard Li Yu as one of her main supports.

This was the reason why the girl was so furious when she discovered that someone had "strayed"; Li Yu was hers first to find!

But Miss Rabbit didn't expect that on the other side, he would deny their association.

It was as if a scoundrel pursued you for a long time, using every possible means to court you, and finally when you're about to open up your heart and speak those three words with closed eyes, the person suddenly pulls up their pants and drifts away.

"But... but I've saved your life." Miss Rabbit's voice became quieter, clearly lacking confidence.

"So I did everything I could to help you win the election; this way, we're even," Li Yu said.

"Is that it? You're on my side just because I saved you..." Ireya didn't know why, but at that moment she felt a touch of sorrow.

Then she heard him say, "It's not entirely because of that..."

Miss Rabbit's small flame of hope flared once more, expectantly asking, "What else?"

"When I arrived in this world, I was ignorant of everything here, in need of somebody to offer me shelter. You were the first person in this world to show me goodwill, and a noble at that.

"You were the most suitable choice for me, and it also meant that I had to prove my value to you," Li Yu stated frankly.

"Oh."

Ireya huffed softly, withdrew the small knife pressed against Li Yu's waist, and walked emotionlessly to sit by the fire, hugging her knees.

It was not until then that Li Yu got a clear look at the girl's current appearance and was startled in turn.

Different from the last time they met, Miss Rabbit now looked as disheveled as could be; not only was her red cloak missing, but her wide, ankle-length linen shirt was also tattered to shreds.

Although the spring light wasn't fully revealed, flesh could be glimpsed in some places.

It was evident that Miss Rabbit had been well-fed while being a shut-in at home and studying at the Temple; even though some parts that were supposed to fatten did not, there seemed to be a readiness for flesh to grow in places that were not supposed to.

Besides, one of her boots was missing, there were two small coagulated blood scabs on her knees, and her once-clean palms and cheeks were now covered in mud. There were red welts from mosquito bites and blood streaks from her own scratching.

Perhaps the only thing that could remotely be considered comforting was the small fire in front of her.

However, to start the fire, the girl had clearly struggled a good deal, even burning a blister on her left index finger.

In short, Miss Rabbit looked like she had not had it easy in the two days Li Yu was absent.

"How did you get yourself into such a state?" asked Li Yu.

Ireya didn't speak, just shifted her bottom and turned her back to that person.

"I brought some mosquito repellent this time; you should apply some." As Li Yu spoke, he handed over a bottle of Floral Dew mosquito repellent.

Yet the girl remained motionless, as if turned to stone.

Several large mosquitoes feasting on her ears and arms didn't seem to elicit any reaction from her, indicating she was truly angry.

After a while, she sourly said, "You've already used me up and drawn the attention of those important people. Why not go to them? Why come back? To laugh at me?"

Li Yu did not respond immediately upon hearing this, but instead found a spot to sit down beside Ireya.

"When you previously asked me why I'm on your side, I could have easily made up an excuse, said something you'd like to hear, and glossed over the issue, resulting in a happy ending for all."

"Then why didn't you do that?" Miss Rabbit muttered under her breath.

"Because I always believed that one day you would grow into a mature leader, one who can distinguish between flattery and honest advice."

"Are you implying that I am not mature enough now?" Miss Rabbit's ears were sharp, and she quickly picked up on the hidden meaning in the words.

"Exactly, you do have quite a few flaws—suspicious, petty, blindly confident, impulsive, prone to wearing your emotions on your sleeve, and lacking in guile," Li Yu said candidly.

"You!"

Ireya was so frustrated she wanted to scream, but then she thought if she made a scene, wouldn't that just prove this guy's point?

So, she had to suppress her anger forcibly, almost causing herself internal injury.

"But you also have many strengths," Li Yu paused before continuing, "You're kind, willing to lend a hand to others, even those you have never met before. Plus, you're good at taking advice. You've followed most of the suggestions I gave you quite well.

"Don't underestimate this quality. I've served many clients before, and the higher and more powerful people are, the more arrogant they tend to be, often refusing to listen and persisting in their ways until the bitter end.

"Compared to them, I prefer to work with those who know how to listen, even if they're not as capable. Not to mention you also consider others.

"You noticed I didn't carry a dagger, so you lent me yours during our meal... I noticed all these gestures.

"And this is the real reason why I ultimately decided to work with you."